UPDATE: Major search operation called off after nothing is found

David Sedgwick

A major search and rescue operation has been called off after nothing untoward was found.

Emergency teams were called to Tynemouth Longsands just after 5pm today (Wednesday) over concerns for the safety of a member of the public who was seen entering the water.

A search is underway for a man missing off the Tynemouth coast. Picture by John Tuttiett.

Two lifeboat crews from Tynemouth, plus nearby Cullercoats, have been joined by police, Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade and emergency helicopters took part in a search off Tynemouth Longsands beach and the surrounding coastal area.

But after two hours, the Coastguard stood down the search, describing it as a false alarm with good intent.

Adrian Don, of Tynemouth Lifeboat, said: “The coastguard received a report of someone going into the sea and not coming out 20 minutes later.

“There was Cullercoats lifeboat, Tynemouth lifeboat, Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, police helicopter and the Coastguard helicopter from Humberside all involved.

“The search was called off after two hours with the Coastguard satisfied that no one was in trouble.